Sumana Mukherjee/Kolkata

Close to a bustling roundabout of the Vivekananda Road in North Kolkata, the ancestral house of Swami Vivekananda is getting ready for the evening prayer.

Swami Vishwadyananda Maharaj, a veteran Monk from the Ramakrishna Mission operating from the house explains: “This is the historic place where Swami Vivekananda was born and grew up. The serenity of this place will surprise you, and this house is the embodiment of strength and valour, and spreading the message of peace that Ramakrishna Mission was made for.”

While talking to Awaz, Maharaj said “The world is shrinking to its selfishness and rigidity of thoughts which led to unexpected unrest everywhere.”

Asked about neighbouring Bangladesh and reported incidents of chilling violence and torture of minority Hindus and Ahmadiyya there, he said, “Ramakrishna Mission is not supposed to comment on this matter but it is unfortunate.”

The monk said “Our work is completely based on spirituality, love, and humanity. We should never make a controversial comment that may spark more unrest. Our motto is to bring peace back. Bangladesh has always been a friendly country to India but the kind of violence is taking place is unexpected.”

Swami Biswaadyanondo Maharaj standing in front of Vivekananda's statue

When asked about the survival challenges for the Hindus living in Bangladesh, Maharaj replied that it would be strongly advisable that they stay united during this toughest period. He said, “If the Hindus get united then only they may go stronger which is the only way for their survival.”

Biswaadyanondo Ji also added “Being a spiritual organization we cannot intervene over there as it will impact the foreign policies and relations between the two nations. But I must inform you that we are trying our best to bring peace and friendly relations back. It is a kind of helpless condition for us and we are praying to the Lord so that peace comes back to Bangladesh.”

When Awaz asked whether Bangladesh forgot the contribution of Indians during their struggle for freedom?

He replied “Perhaps they forgot and it is human nature to bring you down when the purpose is served; we can’t blame anyone. Bangladesh should never forget that India was their root of origin and they must remain thankful to us for our contributions.

He also added “It is heart-breaking to see women and children in such vulnerable circumstances in Bangladesh. The government must act to ensure their safety.”

Swami Vivekananda's ancestral house in Kolkata which is center of Ramakrishna Mission

When asked about the longevity of this unbearable violence the monk replied “It would come to an end as it had started all of a sudden. Every beginning has an end and every ending comes with a new beginning. Somehow this violence and jealousy will also be ended. People must understand that resentment or hatred will not solve the burning issues. Compassion will play the most important role. There might be lots of negative influences but when the common people of Bangladesh would realize that minorities are also a part of their nation they would stop hurting them.”

Are the monks of Ramakrishna Mission safe in Bangladesh?

He replied “Our mission is to bring people close and help each other. Ramakrishna Mission has been dedicated to the nation and the entire world as well. Surprisingly, the monks of Ramakrishna Mission are not being attacked there. Maybe it is because of the tolerance and patience that we have shown to every religion. The Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka is still safe and that is amazing.”

He said “Ramakrishna Mission respects every religion to the fullest and that is why we are accepted the world over.  Our Religion teaches us how to respect different religions.”

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Maharaj added “The eternal bond that we share with the common people helps us. Swami Vivekananda’s dream was to unite Indians irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, colour, and social status. We always follow our leader.  Even during this crisis, we are appreciated and people have unquestionable faith in us. We believe that we need to spread love. This is the foremost responsibility of Ramakrishna Mission.”